English
Հայերեն
Русский
Today is World Juvenile Arthritis Day. To raise public awareness about this condition, Gayane Khloyan, Head of the Rheumatology Service at Arabkir Medical Center, answers common questions that concern parents.
What is juvenile arthritis?
Juvenile arthritis is a chronic inflammation of the joints that occurs in children under the age of 18. In most cases, the exact cause of the disease remains unknown.
Juvenile arthritis is a chronic inflammation of the joints that occurs in children under the age of 18. In most cases, the exact cause of the disease remains unknown.
What are the initial symptoms? How can a parent recognize the problem?
The initial symptoms may vary. However, the most common signs are swelling and pain in a joint. Children may not always be able to clearly describe what they are feeling or indicate which part of the body hurts.
The initial symptoms may vary. However, the most common signs are swelling and pain in a joint. Children may not always be able to clearly describe what they are feeling or indicate which part of the body hurts.
Parents may notice that the child holds one leg, avoids walking, or begins to limp. Careful observation is important to identify the cause of these symptoms. In addition to joint inflammation, other symptoms may appear, such as general weakness, fever, and sometimes a rash.
Is this a hereditary disease?
Juvenile arthritis is not considered a hereditary disease. However, there may be a certain genetic predisposition.
What are the possible consequences if the disease is not treated?
Delayed or absent treatment can lead to disability. Starting treatment at an early stage significantly improves the child’s quality of life and allows them to live a normal, active life.
Your advice to parents
At first, parents may find it difficult to accept the presence of a chronic disease. However, there are many ways to help children manage this condition.
It is very important for parents to cooperate closely with the doctor. The physician cannot manage the disease alone, since the child spends most of the time at home under parental supervision. Effective care requires teamwork involving the family, the child, the physician, and the rheumatologist, as well as other specialists such as an orthopedist, an ophthalmologist, and a rehabilitation specialist.
